Celebrated Osvaldo's birthday with a "cake".
Not sure where this group is headed; maybe; maybe not, but it's started none the less. Here are shots of one of their first meetings at my house.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
More Important than Property
I decided that I can’t sit around waiting to start building a resource center, so I started inviting some folks over to my house. Targeting young adults. Figuring they were not too broken to refuse to be molded into giving, caring adults. And, so far, my ‘figuring’ has been correct.
I met these guys through my assistance/helper/friend Osvaldo. And, they have been a blessing. They seem anxious to help. They just need a shot; and need to be tapped on the shoulder and say “hey, I need your help; here’s how I need your help”. Which, by the way, is a summary of my philosophy on getting people to help. People are wanting to, it’s just a matter of time and training and encouraging.
So, I’m hosting a gathering every week for them to play their music (which is the forum for them to express themselves) and dream dreams of changing their world. Willie, William, Saul, Joelfry, Samuel, Osvaldo, and Jeffrey are the original crew, but each time we meet, the crew gets bigger.
So, we’ll see what God has in mind. Last night we were hanging out on my back porch, them laughing and telling jokes in Spanish. Me pretending to understand, but the thing that was clear was that they were having a good time. We had invited some younger kids to hang out with them, and I think it did them all some good to be around one another. I’m hoping they’ll take the ball and run with more ministry to one another. I am convinced I may never know Spanish well enough to be in the middle of their jokes, but just to recline on a chair and watch them try to top one another with comedy was pretty funny, even if I didn’t understand Spanish. The next step will be toward service. Learning how to serve and who to serve. A challenge for all of us. But, if you knew the kids of this town and how broken they are at so many levels, you’d understand the need for a team of locals to hopefully step up and serve. I’m hoping and praying this group is part of that beginning. We’ll see. (see the photos posted of one of their jam sessions)
I met these guys through my assistance/helper/friend Osvaldo. And, they have been a blessing. They seem anxious to help. They just need a shot; and need to be tapped on the shoulder and say “hey, I need your help; here’s how I need your help”. Which, by the way, is a summary of my philosophy on getting people to help. People are wanting to, it’s just a matter of time and training and encouraging.
So, I’m hosting a gathering every week for them to play their music (which is the forum for them to express themselves) and dream dreams of changing their world. Willie, William, Saul, Joelfry, Samuel, Osvaldo, and Jeffrey are the original crew, but each time we meet, the crew gets bigger.
So, we’ll see what God has in mind. Last night we were hanging out on my back porch, them laughing and telling jokes in Spanish. Me pretending to understand, but the thing that was clear was that they were having a good time. We had invited some younger kids to hang out with them, and I think it did them all some good to be around one another. I’m hoping they’ll take the ball and run with more ministry to one another. I am convinced I may never know Spanish well enough to be in the middle of their jokes, but just to recline on a chair and watch them try to top one another with comedy was pretty funny, even if I didn’t understand Spanish. The next step will be toward service. Learning how to serve and who to serve. A challenge for all of us. But, if you knew the kids of this town and how broken they are at so many levels, you’d understand the need for a team of locals to hopefully step up and serve. I’m hoping and praying this group is part of that beginning. We’ll see. (see the photos posted of one of their jam sessions)
Catching up on Updates
First, the property. I know it gets redundant but we still have no resolution. We have found new property we’re interested in, but the cost is like 3 times what the original property was. It is in a much much better location as far as value is concerned, but raising the original cost was going to be a challenge, this changes the whole dynamic again, and sets a new bar for financing. Not to mention, we still don’t have the paper work on this property as well; not a final price; attorney’s again trying to scam us. I don’t want to be jaded by this type of thing, but it’s so incredibly challenging to want to do good; to want to see the betterment of a community (at many levels), but feeling like the community itself (at least those in power) having no interest. The common folks are all behind and support us as best they can, but they don’t hold the purse strings in the town, so are really powerless to fight the culture of indifference toward the poor.
We approached some of the more influential town folks and their response was basically that they were glad of what we were doing, but offered no substantive help. There’s a reason these places are considered 3rd world and I think a lot of it is because those in power want to remain in power and pass the power to their family exclusively. Forget the stranger.
But, we’re not about to give it. It’s just the battle. And it’s worth it. And I’m honored to fight and be called to fight for those who can’t otherwise have a voice. And, I’m honored to be fighting among some incredible team members. Some whom have seen more battles and tougher battles that I’ll ever see. (that’s the Wallace's and Roberta Edwards to name a few.) So, hats off to them. I appreciated them from a distance, but to see a small portion of their world, even more respect and honor for their amazing commitments.
We approached some of the more influential town folks and their response was basically that they were glad of what we were doing, but offered no substantive help. There’s a reason these places are considered 3rd world and I think a lot of it is because those in power want to remain in power and pass the power to their family exclusively. Forget the stranger.
But, we’re not about to give it. It’s just the battle. And it’s worth it. And I’m honored to fight and be called to fight for those who can’t otherwise have a voice. And, I’m honored to be fighting among some incredible team members. Some whom have seen more battles and tougher battles that I’ll ever see. (that’s the Wallace's and Roberta Edwards to name a few.) So, hats off to them. I appreciated them from a distance, but to see a small portion of their world, even more respect and honor for their amazing commitments.
Headed Home In Less Than A Week
Wow, it’s hard to believe I’ll again be back home for a few weeks starting next Saturday.
This job (or whatever you call it) is really weird in that the days and weeks all run together. In the US, it seems that a particular day or time is very important. Here, the particular day seems to be of no significance. Many people don’t work so weekends mean nothing; others work all the time, so weekends are not important. Sundays are not a huge deal here either, it seems.
I’m going back for two reasons. The first (in no particular order) is to be at Luckson’s graduation. For those of you that don’t know; Luckson is a guy I met in Haiti around 7 years ago. An awesome guy. But, almost 4 years ago now, (wow!) we were able to get him to a university in the US to study under-grad med/clinic stuff. (whatever you call it). Well, he’s graduating. My little brother (as I call him) is not so little anymore (in many ways!) He’s been accepted to optometry school and will start that this fall (if I have my info correct). Really looking forward to seeing him and the crew (slew) of people that have been there for him to see him cross the graduation stage.
And, my oldest sister (Blyth) is finishing RN school, at the age of 50. I’m 43. And frankly can’t imagine the struggle of having to learn an entire new discipline. I basically tried a little by going to language school, but if that were any indication of the challenge, I would have flunked RN school real quick. But she didn’t. It was an unbelievable challenge, but she stuck it through. Sometime, in my opinion, that is so rare for “older” adults. And, I’m very very proud of her. So, my family is going to her “pinning”. Good times ahead!
This job (or whatever you call it) is really weird in that the days and weeks all run together. In the US, it seems that a particular day or time is very important. Here, the particular day seems to be of no significance. Many people don’t work so weekends mean nothing; others work all the time, so weekends are not important. Sundays are not a huge deal here either, it seems.
I’m going back for two reasons. The first (in no particular order) is to be at Luckson’s graduation. For those of you that don’t know; Luckson is a guy I met in Haiti around 7 years ago. An awesome guy. But, almost 4 years ago now, (wow!) we were able to get him to a university in the US to study under-grad med/clinic stuff. (whatever you call it). Well, he’s graduating. My little brother (as I call him) is not so little anymore (in many ways!) He’s been accepted to optometry school and will start that this fall (if I have my info correct). Really looking forward to seeing him and the crew (slew) of people that have been there for him to see him cross the graduation stage.
And, my oldest sister (Blyth) is finishing RN school, at the age of 50. I’m 43. And frankly can’t imagine the struggle of having to learn an entire new discipline. I basically tried a little by going to language school, but if that were any indication of the challenge, I would have flunked RN school real quick. But she didn’t. It was an unbelievable challenge, but she stuck it through. Sometime, in my opinion, that is so rare for “older” adults. And, I’m very very proud of her. So, my family is going to her “pinning”. Good times ahead!
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Old Is New Again; Old Answers New Answers
Getting lost in what has happened these past few weeks; and the fog that surrounds has made me wonder what's going on, what I'm doing here, and where we go from here. But then the light breaks for a moment, and really the answer is simple. Rather I like it or not. And to borrow the songs from an oldy but goody song of the (what?) 80's, maybe 70's.
Reading the lyrics may not due the mood justice, but there are some words that are really really close to capturing where I'm at. Forgive me if it's corny. But, it helps me refocus on what I'm doing and why. Not really based on purchase (or failure of) property; or so many other things that go array, and have. I hope that I can somehow refocus on what I'm truly here to do. That's my hope and prayer. (and this would be so much better, if England Dan and John Ford Coley were singing in the background)....
Name your price
A ticket to paradise
I can't stay here any more
And I've looked high and low
I've been from shore to shore to shore
If there's a short cut I'd have found it
But there's no easy way around it
Light of the world, shine on me
Love is the answer
Shine on us all, set us free
Love is the answer
Who knows why
Someday we all must die
We're all homeless boys and girls
And we are never heard
It's such a lonely world
People turn their heads and walk on by
Tell me, is it worth just another try?
Tell me, are we alive, or just a dying planet?
What are the chances?
Ask the man in your heart for the answers
And when you feel afraid, love one another
When you've lost your way, love one another
When you're all alone, love one another
When you're far from home, love one another
When you're down and out, love one another
All your hope's run out, love one another
When you need a friend, love one another
When you're near the end, love one another
We've got to love one another
Light of the world, you've got to shine
Love will be a means
Shine on us all
Know that love can save the day
Just give it one more chance
Lord you just can't let it stop Lord
Love is the answer
Got to be free to let love into your life
Let it shine
Reading the lyrics may not due the mood justice, but there are some words that are really really close to capturing where I'm at. Forgive me if it's corny. But, it helps me refocus on what I'm doing and why. Not really based on purchase (or failure of) property; or so many other things that go array, and have. I hope that I can somehow refocus on what I'm truly here to do. That's my hope and prayer. (and this would be so much better, if England Dan and John Ford Coley were singing in the background)....
Name your price
A ticket to paradise
I can't stay here any more
And I've looked high and low
I've been from shore to shore to shore
If there's a short cut I'd have found it
But there's no easy way around it
Light of the world, shine on me
Love is the answer
Shine on us all, set us free
Love is the answer
Who knows why
Someday we all must die
We're all homeless boys and girls
And we are never heard
It's such a lonely world
People turn their heads and walk on by
Tell me, is it worth just another try?
Tell me, are we alive, or just a dying planet?
What are the chances?
Ask the man in your heart for the answers
And when you feel afraid, love one another
When you've lost your way, love one another
When you're all alone, love one another
When you're far from home, love one another
When you're down and out, love one another
All your hope's run out, love one another
When you need a friend, love one another
When you're near the end, love one another
We've got to love one another
Light of the world, you've got to shine
Love will be a means
Shine on us all
Know that love can save the day
Just give it one more chance
Lord you just can't let it stop Lord
Love is the answer
Got to be free to let love into your life
Let it shine
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Mystery Question With No Answer
What was the question that was so misrepresented by the company that owned the property we were considering buying to build the outreach center?
“In the company that is selling the property, has there been any additions, changes, or removal of any company members. Specifically, has anyone that was a part of the company died?” (I promise this question was asked over and over from start to finish for 2 months!)
And what was their answer the first time two months ago, and the same answer they kept giving up until a week ago. They kept saying “NO”, no changes. Time and time again we asked, and they consistently said NO. But, when our attorney found out that indeed THREE people in the company had died, we asked them “Have 3 people in the company died?” And their answer, 2 months later now that we know the answer they say, “Oh, yes, three have died.”
Why was that such a big deal? Simple, ANY heirs to the 3 members that have died can lay claim to the property at ANY time. The company has made no attempt to finalize the estate of the 3 members that have died. And, to make that attempt now would take a long long time, years possibly. So, anytime it’s sold, the heirs of those 3 that have died can go back and lay claim to the property, even after the company sells it. So, we could buy the property and build on it, and it be taken from us based on a legal and legitimate claim (by Dominican law) by the heirs of these 3 former company members.
But, the sad thing is that after search for alternative properties, it seems that they ALL have the same issue. No such thing as "clear title" in this country and no such thing as "title insurance". So you truly have to rely on God for His guidance, and trust that if you buy property, God will allow you to use it for as long as He needs, and then you may lose it. The reality of this country. Yuk!
“In the company that is selling the property, has there been any additions, changes, or removal of any company members. Specifically, has anyone that was a part of the company died?” (I promise this question was asked over and over from start to finish for 2 months!)
And what was their answer the first time two months ago, and the same answer they kept giving up until a week ago. They kept saying “NO”, no changes. Time and time again we asked, and they consistently said NO. But, when our attorney found out that indeed THREE people in the company had died, we asked them “Have 3 people in the company died?” And their answer, 2 months later now that we know the answer they say, “Oh, yes, three have died.”
Why was that such a big deal? Simple, ANY heirs to the 3 members that have died can lay claim to the property at ANY time. The company has made no attempt to finalize the estate of the 3 members that have died. And, to make that attempt now would take a long long time, years possibly. So, anytime it’s sold, the heirs of those 3 that have died can go back and lay claim to the property, even after the company sells it. So, we could buy the property and build on it, and it be taken from us based on a legal and legitimate claim (by Dominican law) by the heirs of these 3 former company members.
But, the sad thing is that after search for alternative properties, it seems that they ALL have the same issue. No such thing as "clear title" in this country and no such thing as "title insurance". So you truly have to rely on God for His guidance, and trust that if you buy property, God will allow you to use it for as long as He needs, and then you may lose it. The reality of this country. Yuk!
Two Major Cultural Issues – Lessons the Hard Way
If truth is not truth in the eyes of the beholder. And a person is not able to say “I’m sorry”, what basis of brokenness and truth can you rely on?
I personally believe that brokenness is the foundation of my faith. Realizing that I’m broken and desparately need help from God is primary. I need someone to save me.
And, then, after making steps toward God, I believe He calls me to truth. Even (and often) when I don’t live truth, He still calls me to truth. But, if truth is absent or void in my mind, where do you start to heal, and correct, and grow?
Are these two primary issues truly warped or void here? Is “I’m Sorry” not possible in this cultural. Is truth really not here? I find it impossible to believe. But, it is a question I will begin to search out. And will likely have my heart broken in the process.
I personally believe that brokenness is the foundation of my faith. Realizing that I’m broken and desparately need help from God is primary. I need someone to save me.
And, then, after making steps toward God, I believe He calls me to truth. Even (and often) when I don’t live truth, He still calls me to truth. But, if truth is absent or void in my mind, where do you start to heal, and correct, and grow?
Are these two primary issues truly warped or void here? Is “I’m Sorry” not possible in this cultural. Is truth really not here? I find it impossible to believe. But, it is a question I will begin to search out. And will likely have my heart broken in the process.
When Your Best Isn't Good Enough PART 3
(Why 3 parts?; because this blog is just TOO LONG. So, I will break up these long posts to ease the reader's pain.)
My best wasn’t good enough to preserve a friendship with Paul & Marsil’s mother, Nidia. At least not for now. I look back and I’m not sure that I’m not trying to change someone who is who she is. More cultural lessons. The hard way.
Nidia is stubborn and willful and prideful. Which can be good and can be bad. And she’s also Dominican. Which can be good and can be bad. And saying and truly meaning, “I’m sorry” is something that, based on what I hear from others, is a rarity in this country. I cannot say that is my personal experience since this is the first time that I know of the need for someone to accept responsibility and some level of being sorry for their actions.
But, if all the above is true, what energy should be wasted on trying to explain why and how a misunderstanding and wrong actions all happened. And what could be done to heal beyond what was already attempted. And would the 2nd attempt to heal make things even worse than they are now. Is it now best just to walk away and say thank you for the great memories?
Nidia is still a good person and I have fond memories of her as a host when I was in Santiago. But to expect “changes” from her is truly unrealistic and possibly even unfair. She is who she is and she was born here, not the US, so I see, though I don’t like, where she’s coming from. I think it hurts her more and holds her back from many things, but I also don’t feel I’m the one to try to “fix” all that. So, I’m letting go.
My best wasn’t good enough to preserve a friendship with Paul & Marsil’s mother, Nidia. At least not for now. I look back and I’m not sure that I’m not trying to change someone who is who she is. More cultural lessons. The hard way.
Nidia is stubborn and willful and prideful. Which can be good and can be bad. And she’s also Dominican. Which can be good and can be bad. And saying and truly meaning, “I’m sorry” is something that, based on what I hear from others, is a rarity in this country. I cannot say that is my personal experience since this is the first time that I know of the need for someone to accept responsibility and some level of being sorry for their actions.
But, if all the above is true, what energy should be wasted on trying to explain why and how a misunderstanding and wrong actions all happened. And what could be done to heal beyond what was already attempted. And would the 2nd attempt to heal make things even worse than they are now. Is it now best just to walk away and say thank you for the great memories?
Nidia is still a good person and I have fond memories of her as a host when I was in Santiago. But to expect “changes” from her is truly unrealistic and possibly even unfair. She is who she is and she was born here, not the US, so I see, though I don’t like, where she’s coming from. I think it hurts her more and holds her back from many things, but I also don’t feel I’m the one to try to “fix” all that. So, I’m letting go.
When Your Best Isn't Good Enough PART 2
Our best wasn’t good enough to get the property we had hoped to build the new resource center. After 2 months of asking all the right questions, we just now realized we were getting all the wrong answers. We were getting answers that simply were not correct. When the true answers were discovered, we have had to pretty much put a hold on purchasing that particular property. (see more detail, if you want, on the next blog)
And the thing is…. You look back and ask yourself, what could I have asked any more clearly? How did they (the company representatives – 3 of them that were selling the property) possibly misunderstand our questions the first time, or even the fourth time when we asked the same question over and over; and got the same wrong answer over and over?
And if I’m going to get answers that are untrue like this all the time, what foundation of truth can I rely on regarding anything here. When I asked our translator how it could have all been so wrong, he didn’t have an answer. Neither do I.
And I’m finding that thus is the culture here. Truth is even more “realitive” here than in the US; at least so it seems.
I’m okay with (I can deal with) any answer, as long as it’s truth. But to miss the truth entirely and for them to not even realize the mistruths they have spoken I don’t know where to go from here. I think it’s my first true cultural clash. More to come!
Lest I sound so high and mighty, I do not speak truth 100% either. But, I do believe (or I used to believe) that I at least know when I’m not speaking truth. And, with that knowledge (the law) I can speak truth when I choose to. If people don’t know truth, how can they tell the difference between truth and lies? Isn’t our whole foundation of good and bad based on a premise of truth and lies; right and wrong?
I truly don’t believe the people that misrepresented the issues about the property even understand that they didn’t tell the truth. It has really been very discouraging. I’m not judging them; I’m trying to understand them and I don’t. Talk about a lesson in culture!
And the thing is…. You look back and ask yourself, what could I have asked any more clearly? How did they (the company representatives – 3 of them that were selling the property) possibly misunderstand our questions the first time, or even the fourth time when we asked the same question over and over; and got the same wrong answer over and over?
And if I’m going to get answers that are untrue like this all the time, what foundation of truth can I rely on regarding anything here. When I asked our translator how it could have all been so wrong, he didn’t have an answer. Neither do I.
And I’m finding that thus is the culture here. Truth is even more “realitive” here than in the US; at least so it seems.
I’m okay with (I can deal with) any answer, as long as it’s truth. But to miss the truth entirely and for them to not even realize the mistruths they have spoken I don’t know where to go from here. I think it’s my first true cultural clash. More to come!
Lest I sound so high and mighty, I do not speak truth 100% either. But, I do believe (or I used to believe) that I at least know when I’m not speaking truth. And, with that knowledge (the law) I can speak truth when I choose to. If people don’t know truth, how can they tell the difference between truth and lies? Isn’t our whole foundation of good and bad based on a premise of truth and lies; right and wrong?
I truly don’t believe the people that misrepresented the issues about the property even understand that they didn’t tell the truth. It has really been very discouraging. I’m not judging them; I’m trying to understand them and I don’t. Talk about a lesson in culture!
When Your Best Isn’t Good Enough PART 1
(Why 3 parts?; because this blog is just TOO LONG. So, I will break up these long posts to ease the reader's pain.)
I said good bye to John Sanders last week. I helped him pack his bags and leave my home to catch his plane back to the US, knowing he was out last real hope of finding Shane Ruiz’s body. John’s from non-profit group that specializes in search-recovery of bodies that are in water (lakes, rivers, oceans, etc.). (He has personally been involved in the recovery over 600 bodies! Extremely well qualified.) After an exhausted search with some of the latest technical equipment, we have found nothing. And our exhaustion is more than physical.
But that can’t compare to the fatigue the family has felt and will continue to feel for months and years to come; fatigue from the pain of loosing their son. Pain from perhaps never finding his body.
But, our best wasn’t good enough. I had to call the family and tell them that we won’t be sending their son’s body home. At least not now. Our only hope now is that perhaps a fisherman will find him. We can’t.
I said good bye to John Sanders last week. I helped him pack his bags and leave my home to catch his plane back to the US, knowing he was out last real hope of finding Shane Ruiz’s body. John’s from non-profit group that specializes in search-recovery of bodies that are in water (lakes, rivers, oceans, etc.). (He has personally been involved in the recovery over 600 bodies! Extremely well qualified.) After an exhausted search with some of the latest technical equipment, we have found nothing. And our exhaustion is more than physical.
But that can’t compare to the fatigue the family has felt and will continue to feel for months and years to come; fatigue from the pain of loosing their son. Pain from perhaps never finding his body.
But, our best wasn’t good enough. I had to call the family and tell them that we won’t be sending their son’s body home. At least not now. Our only hope now is that perhaps a fisherman will find him. We can’t.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)